Medvedev also praised the role of the EU's 200-strong mission, which has been deployed along the Georgia border since last October, to observe the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

The statement also touched upon the new 'geopolitical situation' in the region as a result of Saakashvili's policies. The main task Medvedev said was ensuring peace and safety in the Caucasus.

Some 800 Russian troops are currently deployed in South Ossetia as part of a bilateral security agreement between Tskhinvali and Moscow.

Russia has repeatedly called for Georgia to sign a non-use of force pact which Moscow claims would avoid a repeat of last summer's tragedy.